đ Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue. Original Concept The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.